FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2018
CONTACT: Wenona Wolf, wwolf@kidsforward.net, 608-807-7772
MADISON, WI – Today, Kids Forward joined state lawmakers, immigration specialists, health care providers, and members of the religious community to condemn President Trump’s policy of separating immigrant children from their families. The child abuse being perpetrated by our nation’s leaders is dangerous, immoral, and violates basic human rights.
Despite President Trump reversing his order to separate children from families at the border earlier today, Kids Forward continues to advocate for the end of President Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy. This policy will still cause immediate harm to children with new reports saying children will now be placed in jail cells with their parents for an indeterminate period of time.
“Jailing families together is not the solution,” said Executive Director, Ken Taylor. “There are thousands of people fleeing persecution, seeking refuge, and looking to build a better life in a country that claims to value freedom and family. We must not treat people seeking freedom for their family as criminals.”
As the Trump Administration and members of Congress work to address this issue, we caution them that there is no easy fix and that they must prioritize human decency over politics.
“Kids Forward demands that the Trump Administration stop holding children, including babies, as hostages for political gain,” said Taylor. “No child should be ripped from the arms of their parent, no child should be left in a cage alone and scared, and no child should be used as a pawn in a political game. Families belong together.”
Kids Forward also calls on Wisconsin’s leaders to join them and stand up for the children being abused on our nation’s border. Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation, Governor Walker, and other elected officials must exercise true leadership and demonstrate compassion, integrity, and basic humanity.
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Kids Forward advocates for effective, long-lasting solutions that break down barriers to success for children and families in Wisconsin. Using research and a community-informed approach, Kids Forward works to help every kid, every family, and every community thrive.